Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for integrating a three-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for integrating a three-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model. Each asset can include a base surface and either a protrusion or a projection extending from the base. Once the asset is placed at a particular position with respect to the model, one or more vertices defining a periphery of the base surface can be projected onto an external surface of the model. Then, one or more portions of the asset can be deformed to provide a smooth transition between the external surface of the asset and the external surface of the model. In some cases, the asset can include a hole extending through the external surface of the model for defining a cavity. A secondary asset can be placed in the cavity such as, for example, an eyeball asset placed in an eye socket asset.

BACKGROUND

Some electronic devices can display three-dimensional models that a usercan control as part of an electronic device operation. For example,gaming consoles can display three-dimensional avatars that represent auser, and the user can direct the avatar to perform specific actions ina game. The three-dimensional models can be constructed from thecombination of several assets such as a body, head, eyes, ears, nose,hair, glasses, hat, or other accessories. The assets can be placedadjacent to the external surface of the model. To enhance the user'sexperience, the user can personalize a displayed model by selecting andmoving specific assets with respect to the remainder of the model.

SUMMARY

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for integrating athree-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model are provided.

An electronic device can display a three-dimensional model (e.g., anavatar) that may be constructed from several assets. For example, assetscorresponding to facial features can be integrated into an externalsurface of a head asset or base structure of a model. Each asset can beincorporated in the model in a manner that may ensure that the asset isseamlessly integrated with an external surface of the model. When a usermoves an asset with respect to the remainder of the model, for example,by dragging the asset, the asset can move in a manner that maintains aseamless integration of the asset with the external surface of themodel.

The asset can include a pivot point and a base surface. The pivot pointcan define a point of the asset that may have a consistent positionalrelationship with respect to any particular contact point along anexternal surface of a model with which the asset is to be integrated.The base can define a surface from which a protrusion or hole portion ofthe asset can extend. The periphery of the base surface can be definedas a sequence of vertices forming a closed path. When a user provides aninstruction to place an asset on a model, a particular contact point onthe external surface of the model that corresponds to the user-providedinstruction may be identified, and the asset can be placed with respectto the model such that the asset's pivot point coincides with theidentified contact point. Then, one or more vertices of the baseperiphery can be projected onto the external surface of the model toensure that the base periphery of the asset is entirely in contact withthe external surface of the model.

To ensure that the asset appears to be seamlessly integrated with theremainder of the model, a portion of the asset may be modified in thevicinity of the projected vertices. In particular, a region of anexternal surface of the asset can be re-defined such that the externalsurface of the asset may transition smoothly to the external surface ofthe remainder of the model adjacent the asset. When the asset includes ahole, a portion of the external surface of the model that is within anarea of the asset's base periphery may be removed such that an interiorcavity of the hole can be exposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and variousfeatures will be more apparent upon consideration of the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters may refer to like parts, andin which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative display of a three-dimensional model displayedby an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative displays of an asset placed atdifferent regions on a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative displays of a three-dimensional modelwith an integrated asset in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 4B and 4A are opposite perspective views of an illustrativethree-dimensional protrusion asset in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative three-dimensionalasset and an illustrative three-dimensional model in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, of the asset ofFIG. 5 positioned with respect to the model of FIG. 5 in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, of the assetof FIGS. 5 and 6 when it is deformed and positioned partially within themodel of FIGS. 5 and 6 in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIGS. 5-7, of the asset ofFIGS. 5-7 seamlessly integrated with the model of FIGS. 5-7 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9C are illustrative displays of a three-dimensional assetintegrated with a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a three-dimensional holeasset in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 10, of thethree-dimensional hole asset of FIG. 10, but assembled, in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C are a sequence of illustrative displays showing athree-dimensional hole asset integrated with a three-dimensional modelin accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative display of a three-dimensional modelintegrated with three-dimensional assets in accordance with someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 is another illustrative display of a three-dimensional modelintegrated with three-dimensional assets in accordance with someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for integrating anasset with a three-dimensional model in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing a smoothtransition between an external surface of an asset and an externalsurface of a model in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for integrating anasset with a three-dimensional model in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for integrating athree-dimensional hole asset with a three-dimensional model inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device fordisplaying a three-dimensional model in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for integrating athree-dimensional asset (e.g., a protrusion asset or a hole asset) witha three-dimensional model are provided and described with reference toFIGS. 1-19.

A three-dimensional model may be displayed to an artist of the model oran end user of the model. The model can be customized by integratingassets with an external surface of the model. A user can select aparticular point on the model for disposing an asset by selecting acontact point on an external surface of the model. The contact point caninclude a single point on the external surface of the model at which apivot point of the asset is to be placed. A periphery of a base surfaceof the asset can be projected onto the external surface of the model toensure that the asset may be smoothly integrated with the model.

In some cases, a region of the asset (e.g., a region of the asset thatis adjacent to the projected base of the asset) can be changed,re-defined, re-drawn, smoother, or otherwise deformed so that the assetmay have a seamless transition with the remainder of the model. Inparticular, this may be significant if the pivot point of the asset islocated on the external surface of the model such that the base surfaceof the asset is initially within a volume enclosed by the model (e.g.,such that the base surface is underneath the external surface of themodel). If the asset includes a hole, the portion of the externalsurface of the model that is within the area enclosed by the basesurface once the base surface has been projected onto the externalsurface of the model can be removed to create an opening for exposing acavity that may be defined by an interior surface of the asset's hole.In some cases, a secondary asset can be placed in such a hole asset(e.g., an eyeball asset can be placed in a cavity of an eye socket holeasset to create a combined eye asset).

An electronic device can display different content for enjoyment by auser. In some cases, an electronic device can display athree-dimensional model as part of an application operating on thedevice. FIG. 1 is an illustrative display 100 of an electronic device190 for displaying a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Display 100 can include a model 110 thatmay be provided in front of a background 102. Model 110 can representany suitable object including, for example, a person, an animal, aplace, or a thing (e.g., an imaginary being). In some cases, model 110can include an avatar. A user can create model 110 by selecting assetsfrom asset bar 120, and positioning specific assets on the model. Theassets can include, for example, a face, mouth, eyes, ears, nose,mustache, beard, hair, eyebrows, glasses, hats, accessories (e.g.,jewelry or band-aids), clothing, or other components that can beincluded on or integrated with a model. The assets can be provided froma source of assets (e.g., a library of assets that may be stored locallyon or remotely from electronic device 190).

When a user selects an asset type on asset bar 120 such as, for example,hair asset type 122, device 190 can display a menu or listing of one ormore different hair options (not shown). The user can select one of thehair options to be applied to the model (e.g., as hair asset 112). Auser can select any suitable number of options associated with a singleasset to place on a model (e.g., asset size, shape, style, etc.). Forexample, a user can select different colors for an asset. As shown inFIG. 1, to change a color of hair asset 112, a user can select one ofthe color options provided by color menu 140 of asset bar 120.

In some embodiments, a user can customize a model by moving an asset todifferent placements with respect to the rest of the model. In theexample of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respective displays 200A and 200B of model210 can include glasses asset 212 in two different placements (e.g., onthe bridge of the nose of model 210 of FIG. 2A, and on the forehead ofmodel 210 of FIG. 2B). The user can move asset 212 using any suitableapproach including, for example, by dragging asset 212 with respect tomodel 210, or by using directional instructions (e.g., directional keysof an input interface).

Some types of assets can be integrated with an external surface of athree-dimensional model instead of being positioned on or adjacent tothe external surface. For example, assets corresponding to noses, ears,eyes, or other facial features of an avatar can be integrated with asurface of the avatar. FIGS. 3A and 3B are respective views 300A and300B of a three-dimensional model 300 having an integrated asset inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Model 300 can includea foundation structure 302 having an external surface 310 with whichdifferent assets may be integrated. In some cases, foundation structure302 can itself be a type of asset. Foundation structure 302 can serve asa primary object on which assets are added, and can therefore correspondto a body or face for the model. Foundation structure 302 can define anysuitable three-dimensional shape including, for example, a sphere,ovoid, cuboid, or polygonal volume. Model 300 can include eyes asset320, eyebrows asset 322, hair asset 324, mouth asset 326, and nose asset328 integrated with external surface 310 of foundation structure 302 ofmodel 300. Some assets that are integrated with surface 310 offoundation structure 302 can protrude from surface 310, extend intosurface 310 (e.g., creating an opening through surface 310), or both.For example, nose asset 328 can include protrusion 329 extending beyondexternal surface 310 of foundation structure 302 of model 300.

The amount by which an asset may protrude from an external surface of amodel, as well as the interface between the asset and the externalsurface of the model, can be determined from attributes of the asset.FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an illustrative asset 400 thatcan be integrated with a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Asset 400 can include protrusion 410extending from base 412. Base 412 can have any suitable shape including,for example, a shape defining a closed path. In some cases, base 412 candefine a circle, oval, square, rectangle, pentagon, polygon, curvedshape, or any other suitable shape. The shape of base 412 can beselected based on properties of protrusion 410. For example, ifprotrusion 410 substantially defines a cylindrical structure, base 412can define a circle or oval. As another example, if protrusion 410substantially defines a rectangular or pyramidal structure, base 412 candefine a polygon.

Base 412 can be defined using any suitable approach. In someembodiments, base 412 can be defined as a series of vertices or pointsalong a path defining a periphery of base surface 414 of asset 400 thatmay contact an external surface of a model with which asset 400 is to beintegrated In some cases, specific vertices can be selected from thepath of base 412 to integrate asset 400 with a three-dimensional model.The vertices of base 412 can be disposed in a single plane or in athree-dimensional space, for example to facilitate the initial creationof asset 400 by an artist.

Protrusion 410 can include any suitable shape extending from base 412.In some cases, protrusion 410 can include a specific shape correspondingto a type of asset. For example, a nose asset can include a moreextended protrusion, while an ear asset can include a more compactprotrusion. Protrusion 412 can include an external surface 420 havingone or more features for providing an aesthetically pleasing asset. Insome cases, external surface 420 can have a particular texture or aparticular color, for example which may be selected to match a textureor color of an external surface of a three-dimensional model with whichasset 400 is to be integrated.

In some cases, an asset can include one or more specific features thatare used to position and integrate the asset with a three-dimensionalmodel. In particular, a pivot point may be defined to properly positionan asset with respect to a model. Moreover, several vertices of a baseof an asset (e.g., some or all of the vertices) can be used toincorporate the asset in a model. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of anillustrative three-dimensional model 500 and an illustrativethree-dimensional asset 600 that is to be integrated with model 500 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Three-dimensionalmodel 500 can include a volume 512 defined by an external surface 510with which asset 600 can be integrated. In some cases, model 500 caninclude a foundation structure having no integrated assets.Alternatively, model 500 can include a foundation structure with whichone or more assets have been integrated. Asset 600 can include aprotrusion 610 and a base 612 of a base surface 614. Base 612 mayinclude vertices 524 and 526, and asset 600 may also include a pivotpoint 622. Pivot point 622 can include a pre-defined point correspondingto a specific point of asset 600 that is to come into contact with aparticular point on external surface 510 of model 500 (e.g., a contactpoint 511, which may be selected by a user when customizing model 500).Pivot point 622 can remain fixed relative to external surface 511 evenas portions of asset 600 are deformed. In some cases, pivot point 622can be selected as a point within a volume enclosed by asset 600 (e.g.,within a volume defined by base surface 614 and protrusion 610). Pivotpoint 622 and the vertices of base 612 (e.g., vertices 624 and 626) canbe selected by an artist creating asset 600 for later use by a usercustomizing with a model.

Using the pivot point of an asset, an electronic device can determinehow to position the asset with respect to a model. FIG. 6 is a schematicview of asset 600 positioned with respect to model 500 in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. Asset 600 can be positioned suchthat pivot point 622 is placed at a particular position on externalsurface 510 of model 500. Pivot point 622 can be placed on any suitableportion of external surface 510 including, for example, such that pivotpoint 622 may be positioned at contact point 511 on external surface510. In particular, a user can provide an instruction identifying aspecific contact point on external surface 510 at which to place pivotpoint 622. Contact point 511 may correspond to the location of an inputprovided to an electronic device by a user (e.g., a touch input on atouch surface of a device, or a cursor location on a display of adevice).

Based on the position of contact point 511 with respect to the geometryof model 500 and/or based on pivot point 622 of asset 600 with respectto protrusion 610 of asset 600, one or more vertices of base 612 (e.g.,vertices 624 and 626, as shown in FIG. 6) may be within volume 512 ofmodel 510. In particular, pivot point 622 can be offset from at least aportion of base 612 such that at least some of the vertices of base 612(e.g., at least vertices 624 and 626) may be behind external surface 510of model 500. In some cases, the shape of model 500, and in particularthe shape and size of external surface 510 in the vicinity of contactpoint 511, can determine whether vertices 624 and 626 are within volume512. For example, when pivot point 622 is offset from base surface 614,the flatter external surface 510, the more likely vertices 624 and 626will be within volume 512. Conversely, the more curved external surface510, the more likely one or both of vertices 624 and 626 will be outsideof volume 512. As another example, when pivot point 622 is incorporatedin base surface 614, the more curved external surface 510, the morelikely vertices 624 and 626 will be outside of volume 512. Conversely,the flatter external surface 510, the more likely one or both ofvertices 624 and 626 will be inside of volume 512.

Once a pivot point of an asset has been placed at a selected contactpoint on an external surface of a model, the asset may be modified toprovide a seamless transition between the asset and the model. FIG. 7 isa schematic view of deformed asset 600 positioned partially within model500 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Once pivotpoint 622 has been positioned on external surface 510 of model 500 atcontact point 511 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6), vertices of base 612 canbe projected onto respective projected surface points of externalsurface 510. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, vertices 624 and 626 canbe projected onto external surface 510 at projected surface points 514and 516 of external surface 510, respectively. In some cases, vertices624 and 626 can be projected in different directions, for example if thevertices are on opposite sides of external surface 510. Such verticescan be projected along any suitable axis onto surface 510 for definingrespective projected surface points. In some embodiments, an axisperpendicular to external surface 510 at contact point 511 may bedefined, and the vertices may be projected along that axis (e.g., axis513 of FIG. 7) onto external surface 510 of model 500. Alternatively,projected surface points 514 and 516, to which respective vertices 624and 626 may be projected, can be defined as the points on externalsurface 510 that are nearest to vertices 624 and 626, respectively. Whenvertices of base 612 of asset 600 are projected onto external surface510 of model 500, the shape of protrusion 610 within volume 512 can bedistorted, which can lead to sharp angles (e.g., 632 and 634) at aninterface between protrusion 610 of asset 600 and external surface 510of model 500.

To finalize the integration of an asset with a model, portions of anexternal surface of the asset can be smoothed or otherwise deformed tosmoothly transition from the external surface of the asset to anexternal surface of the model. In some cases, portions of the externalsurface of the model can instead or in addition be deformed. FIG. 8 is aschematic view of asset 600 seamlessly integrated with model 500 inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. External surface 620of protrusion 610 of asset 600 can include a deformed region 629, whichmay be in the vicinity of vertices 624 and 626. In some cases, deformedregion 629 can be limited to only a portion of external surface 620 ofprotrusion 610. In particular, regions of protrusion 610 that aresufficiently distant from model 500, and in particular from externalsurface 510 of model 500 can remain in their initial shape orconfiguration. In some cases, asset 600 can include transition points orvertices that may extend around and define a periphery of a transitioncross-section of asset 600 through protrusion 610, such that deformedregion 629 may extend between the base vertices of base 612 and thetransition cross-section of protrusion 610. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, a transition cross-section 654 through protrusion 610 of asset600 may be defined by a transition boundary 652 that can be a continuouspath including many transition vertices (e.g., transition vertices 664and 666). Deformed region 629 of external surface 620 of asset 600 mayextend between the base vertices of base 612 (e.g., base vertices 624and 626) and the transition vertices of transition boundary 652 (e.g.,transition vertices 664 and 666). Transition cross-section 654 andtransition boundary 652 can be disposed at any suitable position alongprotrusion 610 of asset 600 including, for example, at a particularposition based on a height of protrusion 610 away from base surface 614,based on the position of pivot point 622 with respect to base surface614, based on the area of base surface 614, based on the distance of atransition vertex to one or more portions of external surface 510 ofmodel 500, or combinations of these. In some cases, most or all of asset600 can be deformed by different amounts. For example, the amount ofdeformation can range between 0% (e.g., not deformed) and 100% (entirelydeformed) along protrusion 610, where a vertex of the asset on basesurface 614 is entirely deformed, and a point that is the farthest frombase surface 614 is not deformed. The amount of deformation can bequantified using any suitable approach including, for example, adeformation factor associated with each point of the asset based on thedistance of the point from the base.

Any suitable approach may be used to smooth an external surface of anasset relative to an external surface of a model. In some embodiments, aplane may be identified at each base vertex of base 612 that is tangentto external surface 510 at and/or through that base vertex. Such a planemay be used to define an initial transition angle for deformed region629 of asset 600 relative to external surface 510 of model 500 at theplane's respective base vertex. For example, a plane may be identifiedthat is tangent to external surface 510 at base vertex 624 (not shown),and that plane may be used to define an initial transition angle fordeformed region 629 of external surface 620 of asset 600 at base vertex624 (i.e., at projected surface point 514 of external model surface510). Similarly, a plane may be identified that is tangent to externalsurface 510 at base vertex 626 (not shown), and that plane may be usedto define an initial transition angle for deformed region 629 ofexternal surface 620 of asset 600 at base vertex 626 (i.e., at projectedsurface point 516 of external model surface 510). In addition, a planemay be identified at each transition vertex of transition boundary 652that is tangent to external surface 620 of asset at and/or through thattransition vertex. Such a plane may be used to define an initialtransition angle for deformed region 629 of asset 600 relative toexternal surface 620 of asset 600 at the plane's respective transitionvertex. For example, a plane may be identified that is tangent toexternal surface 620 at transition vertex 664 (not shown), and thatplane may be used to define an initial transition angle for deformedregion 629 of external surface 620 of asset 600 at transition vertex664. Similarly, a plane may be identified that is tangent to externalsurface 620 at transition vertex 666 (not shown), and that plane may beused to define an initial transition angle for deformed region 629 ofexternal surface 620 of asset 600 at transition vertex 666. In addition,a curved line or surface may be defined for connecting the portion ofdeformed region 629 in the vicinity of each of the base vertices (e.g.,base vertices 524 and 526) with the respective portion of deformedregion 629 in the vicinity of each of the transition vertices (e.g.,transition vertices 664 and 666). Such curved lines or surfaces can bedefined, for example, from the vertices and their identified tangentplanes. In one implementation, a Bezier curve or a surface constructedusing one or more Bezier curves can be defined to create deformed region629. In another implementation, the deformation can be determined by adeformation factor selected based on the distance of a point on theasset from the base.

Using this approach can ensure that a model does not include anydiscontinuities in regions where an asset is integrated with the model.In particular, because base vertices of an asset may be projected on anexternal surface of a model, the entire base of the asset can be incontact with the surface of the model. For example, FIGS. 9A-9C areillustrative displays 900A-900C, respectively, of an asset integratedwith a model in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Eachone of displays 900A-900C can each include a model 902 having a noseasset 920 positioned at respective different regions 911A-911C of model902. Asset 920 can include a base 922 that can be integrated or mergedwith an external surface 910 of model 902. To accommodate differences incurvature and shape of external surface 910 at each of the differentregions 911A-911C of model 902, a deformed region (e.g., respectivedeformed regions 924A-924C) of asset 920 can differ in each display.While deformed regions 924A-924C may differ, there may be nodiscontinuities between asset 920 and external surface 910.

In some cases, a user can select an asset that has already beenintegrated with a model at a first region of the model, and can move theasset along the external surface of the model to a new region of themodel. In such cases, a new contact point on the external surface of themodel may be identified for the asset, and the asset may then beintegrated with the model at a region associated with the new contactpoint using one or more of the approaches described above. If a sequenceof new contact points is identified (e.g., as the user drags an asset),the asset can be placed at and integrated with the model at each newcontact point of the sequence of new contact points.

In some cases, a model can include several assets that are integratedwith the model. For example, a model can include a hair asset, a noseasset, one or more ear assets, one or more eye assets, and a mouthasset. As discussed above, a user can move or displace different assetson the surface of a model. To prevent different assets from intersectingor colliding, rules governing the relative position of assets can beprovided. For example, some rules can mandate a minimum distance betweenassets (e.g., between base vertices of different assets, or betweenpivot points of different assets). These rules can ensure, for example,that a nose asset is not placed over an eye asset. As another example,some rules can mandate a maximum distance between assets. These rulescan ensure, for example, that an eye asset and a related eyelash assetremain in proximity to one another, or that a nose asset is placedbetween eye assets. In some cases, some assets can intersect with otherassets. For example, an ear asset can be placed over or within a hairasset.

In addition to assets protruding from an external surface of a model, amodel can include assets creating openings or holes in the externalsurface of the model. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a “hole” asset 1000that can be incorporated in a model in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled holeasset 1000 of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. Hole asset 1000 can include projection 1020 having exteriorsurface 1022 and interior surface 1024, where interior surface 1024 canbe visible through an opening formed in an external surface of a modelwith which asset 1000 is integrated. In some cases, interior surface1024 can define a cavity in which a secondary asset can be placed.Interior surface 1024, which may be visible in a model, can include atexture or color corresponding to particular features of an asset (e.g.,texture and color corresponding to a tongue within a mouth asset definedas a hole asset). Hole asset 1000 can include base surface 1030 that maybe used to define an opening in the external surface of the model withwhich asset 1000 is integrated. In particular, base surface 1030 candefine a periphery for the opening in the external surface of the modelwith which asset 1000 is integrated. Base surface 1030 can defineseveral vertices, for example as discussed above with respect to basevertices 624 and 626 of base 612 of base surface 614 of asset 600 ofFIGS. 5-8. Hole asset 1000 can include pivot point 1026 for positioningthe asset on a model.

A hole asset can be integrated in an external surface of a model usingan approach similar to that used for other assets that includeprotrusions extending from the surface of the model (e.g., protrusionasset 600 of FIGS. 5-8). FIGS. 12A-12C are a sequence of respectiveillustrative displays 1200A-1200C showing how one or more hole assets1000 can be integrated with a model 1202 in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Model 1202 can include external surface1210. In some cases, model 1202 can include a foundation structure onwhich several assets can be placed or in which several assets can beintegrated. Hole asset 1000 can be placed with respect to model 1200such that pivot point 1026 of hole asset 1000 can coincide with contactpoint 1211 on external surface 1210 of model 1200 (e.g., as describedabove with respect to contact point 511 and pivot point 622 of FIGS.5-8). Asset 1000 can be oriented such that the portion of asset 1000extending away from base 1030 (e.g., projection 1020) can extend intomodel 1202. In other words, external surface 1210 of model 1202 mayremain substantially smooth or at least not include features that mayincrease the size of a profile of external surface 1210. Based on theposition of asset pivot point 1026 relative to asset base 1030, at leasta portion of base 1030 can be located on external surface 1210 or beexternal to the volume of model 1202, as shown in display 1200B of FIG.12B. Alternatively, some or all of base 1030 can be within the volume ofmodel 1202.

Base 1030 can be used to define an opening to be formed in externalsurface 1210 for hole asset 1000. In particular, one or more basevertices defining base 1030 can be projected onto external surface 1210,for example as described above in connection with projected surfacepoints 514 and 516 of FIGS. 6-8. When the base vertices of hole asset1000 are projected onto external surface 1210, the projected verticescan define a closed path corresponding to an opening in external surface1210 for asset 1000.

To allow internal surface 1024 of asset 1000 to be visible throughexternal surface 1210 of model 1202, one or more portions of externalsurface 1210 within an area enclosed by the projected vertices of base1030 may be removed. In particular, the portions of external surface1210 enclosed by the projected vertices of base 1030 can be removed suchthat inner surface 1024 of asset 1000 may be exposed and visible, andsuch that an eye asset 1240 can be positioned at hole asset 1000 and canbe visible adjacent to at least a portion of exposed asset 1000, asshown in display 1200C of FIG. 12C. In some cases, base 1030 can beremoved from model 1202 along with the portions of external surface1210, for example by clearing a z-buffer used to store information to bedisplayed.

As mentioned with respect to eye asset 1240 of FIG. 12C, athree-dimensional model can include any suitable number of assets thatprovide a hole in an external surface of the model. In some cases,secondary assets can be placed within a hole asset to enhance a featureof the model. FIGS. 13 and 14 are respective illustrative displays 1300and 1400 of three-dimensional models having assets providing holeswithin an external surface of the models in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Model 1302 shown in display 1300 caninclude several assets integrated in external surface 1310 of model1302. For example, model 1302 can include hair asset 1320, one or moreear assets 1322, nose asset 1324, one or more eye assets 1326, one ormore eyelash assets 1328, facial hair asset 1330, and mouth asset 1332.Some of the assets can at least partially protrude from surface 1310.For example, hair asset 1302, ear assets 1322, nose asset 1324, eyelashassets 1328, and facial hair asset 1330 can protrude from surface 1310.Other assets can be recessed in external surface 1310 of model 1302. Forexample, eye assets 1326 and mouth asset 1332 can extend into externalsurface 1310 of model 1302.

In some cases, eye assets 1326 can be constructed by combining severalsub-assets. For example, eye assets 1326 can include hole assets 1340and 1342 in which individual eyeball assets 1344 and 1346 can be placed.When a user selects eye asset 1326 to integrate into model 1302, eyeballasset 1344 can be positioned into a cavity formed by hole asset 1340,and hole asset 1340, with eyeball asset 1344, can be positioned inexternal surface 1310 of model 1302. In some cases, eyeball assets 1344and 1346 can be moved within hole assets 1340 and 1342, respectively.

In some cases, mouth asset 1332 can include features incorporated withina cavity defining the mouth. For example, an interior surface of mouthasset 1332 can include a texture or color corresponding to elementswithin a mouth. In particular, an interior surface of mouth asset 1332can include several colors depicting a tongue and inner cheeks. In somecases, the interior surface of mouth asset 1332 can include colorsdepicting teeth. Alternatively, mouth asset 1332 can include one or moresecondary assets placed within the cavity of mouth asset 1332 to depictelements of the mouth. For example, mouth asset 1332 can include aprotrusion asset corresponding to a tongue. In some cases, a secondaryasset can move within the cavity of mouth asset 1332.

Not all hole assets can include a colored inner surface or a secondaryasset disposed within a cavity defined by the hole asset, as shown inmodel 1302. For example, model 1402 shown in display 1400 of FIG. 14 caninclude hole asset 1420 incorporated in external surface 1410 of model1402. In particular, model 1402 can include some or all of the assetsdescribed above in connection with model 1302, as well as hole asset1420 located on a forehead region of model 1402. Hole asset 1420 candefine cavity 1422 having exposed interior surface 1424. As discussedabove, a user can displace hole asset 1420 with respect to any region ofmodel 1402. In some cases, asset 1420, model 1402, or other assets ofmodel 1402 can include rules specifying relative positions of the assetsintegrated with model 1402.

Once an asset is integrated with a model, an external surface of themodel can seamlessly transition to an external or exposed surface of theasset. For example, an external surface of model 1402 can seamlesslytransfer from external surface 1410 to interior surface 1424 of asset1420. To determine how to position further assets on the model, theelectronic device can use the external or exposed surfaces of anintegrated asset instead the portions of the external surface of themodel that were replaced by the integrated asset. In such cases,external or exposed surfaces of an asset can be considered to be part ofthe external surface of the model. This approach may be particularlydesirable for positioning secondary asset (e.g., eyeball assets) in amodel.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 1500 for integrating athree-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. Process 1500 can begin at step1502. At step 1504, a three-dimensional foundation structure of a modelcan be displayed, for example by an electronic device. The foundationstructure can include a three-dimensional object having an externalsurface. At step 1506, a three-dimensional asset to integrate with thefoundation structure can be retrieved. For example, a user can select aparticular asset to integrate into an external surface of the model. Atstep 1508, a base of the asset can be placed on an external surface ofthe foundation structure. For example, one or more vertices defining abase of the asset can be projected onto the external surface of thefoundation structure at one or more respective projected surface points.In some cases, the projected surface points can be based on an inputprovided by a user. At step 1510, a shape of the asset can be modifiedto provide a smooth transition between the asset and the externalsurface of the foundation structure. For example, an electronic devicecan modify a region of an external surface of the asset to provide asmooth surface at an interface between the external surface of thefoundation structure and the external surface of the asset. Process 1500can then end at step 1512.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 1600 for providing asmooth transition between an external surface of an asset and anexternal surface of a model with which the asset is integrated inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process 1600 canbegin at step 1602. At step 1604, an asset can be positioned on a modelsuch that a pivot point of the asset may coincide with a contact pointon an external surface of the model. For example, an electronic devicecan display a model and an asset. At step 1606, one or more vertices ofthe asset can be projected on the external surface of the model. Forexample, several vertices corresponding to a base of the asset can beprojected onto the external surface of the model. In some cases, thevertices can define a closed path. At step 1608, a first plane that istangent to the external surface of the model and that passes through aprojected vertex of the model on the surface of the model can beidentified. For example, an electronic device can identify, for eachprojected vertex of the asset, a plane tangent to the external surfaceof the model at that projected vertex. At step 1610, a second planetangent to an external surface of the asset can be identified. Forexample, an electronic device can identify one or more transitionvertices on the external surface of the asset, where the transitionvertices define a boundary for a transition region of the asset that candeform to integrate the asset with the model. The electronic device canthen identify a second plane that is tangent to the external surface ofthe asset and that passes through a respective transition point. At step1612, the asset can be modified, smoothed, re-defined, or otherwisedeformed such that one or more portions of the external surface of theasset can be in one of the identified first planes and/or in one of theidentified second places. For example, an electronic device can deform aregion of the external surface of the asset such that a portion of theregion that is in the vicinity of a base vertex is initially in one ofthe identified first planes, and a portion of the region that is in thevicinity of a transition vertex is initially in one of the identifiedsecond planes. The electronic device can also define a curved line orsurface that may extend between one of the identified first planes andone of the identified second planes. Process 1600 can then end at step1614.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 1700 for integratingan asset on a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Process 1700 can begin at step 1702. Atstep 1704, a three-dimensional model can be displayed. For example, anelectronic device can display a three-dimensional model. The model caninclude an external surface enclosing a volume. At step 1706, a contactpoint on the external surface of the model at which to place the assetcan be identified. For example, an electronic device can identify acontact point corresponding to an input provided by a user. At step1708, the asset can be positioned on the model such that a pivot pointof the asset coincides with the identified contact point of the model.At step 1710, a base of the asset can be projected onto the externalsurface of the model. For example, an electronic device can identify oneor more vertices corresponding to a base periphery of a base surface ofthe asset, and can project the identified vertices onto the externalsurface of the model. At step 1712, the shape of the asset can besmoothed, deformed, re-defined, or otherwise modified in the vicinity ofthe projected base to provide a smooth transition between the asset andthe external surface of the model. For example, a region of an externalsurface of the asset can be redrawn such that the asset is seamlesslyintegrated with the external surface of the model. Process 1700 can thenend at step 1714.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 1800 for integrating ahole asset with a three-dimensional model in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. Process 1800 can begin at step 1802. Atstep 1804, a foundation structure of a three-dimensional model can bedisplayed. For example, an electronic device can display a foundationstructure with which one or more assets can be integrated. Thefoundation structure can include an external surface, for exampleenclosing a volume of the foundation structure. At step 1806, a holeasset to integrate with the foundation structure can be identified. Forexample, an electronic device can identify a hole asset selected by auser to incorporate into the model. The hole asset can include aninternal surface corresponding to a cavity, and a base defining anopening for the cavity of the hole asset. At step 1808, the hole assetcan be placed with respect to the foundation structure. In some cases, aportion of the cavity can extend through the external surface of thefoundation structure. At step 1810, the base can be projected onto theexternal surface of the foundation structure. At step 1812, portions ofthe external surface of the foundation structure that are within an areaenclosed by the projected base can be removed from the displayed model.In particular, portions of the external surface can be removed from anelectronic device display such that the interior surface of the cavityof the hole asset may be visible along the external surface of the model(e.g., through the area of the removed portions of the external surfaceof the foundation structure). Process 1800 can then end at step 1814.

Any suitable electronic device can be used to integrate athree-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model. FIG. 19 is aschematic view of an illustrative electronic device 1900 for displayinga three-dimensional model (e.g., an avatar) to a user in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention. Electronic device 1900 may be anyportable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device configured to present athree-dimensional model and/or a three-dimensional asset to a userwherever the user travels. Alternatively, electronic device 1900 may notbe portable at all, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronicdevice 1900 can include, but is not limited to, a music player (e.g., aniPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), video player, stillimage player, game player, other media player, music recorder, movie orvideo camera or recorder, still camera, other media recorder, radio,medical equipment, domestic appliance, transportation vehicleinstrument, musical instrument, calculator, cellular telephone (e.g., aniPhone™ available by Apple Inc.), other wireless communication device,personal digital assistant, remote control, pager, computer (e.g., adesktop, laptop, tablet, server, etc.), monitor, television, stereoequipment, set up box, set-top box, boom box, modem, router, printer,and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, electronic device 1900may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to presentingvisual content) and, in other embodiments, electronic device 1900 mayperform multiple functions (e.g., a device that presents visual content,plays music, and receives and transmits telephone calls).

Electronic device 1900 may include a processor 1902, memory 1904, powersupply 1906, input component 1908, and display 1910. Electronic device1900 may also include a bus 1912 that may provide one or more wired orwireless communication links or paths for transferring data and/or powerto, from, or between various other components of device 1900. In someembodiments, one or more components of electronic device 1900 may becombined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device 1900 may include othercomponents not combined or included in FIG. 19 and/or several instancesof one or more of the components shown in FIG. 19.

Memory 1904 may include one or more storage mediums, including forexample, a hard-drive, flash memory, non-volatile memory, permanentmemory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such asrandom access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storagecomponent, or any combination thereof. Memory 1904 may include cachememory, which may be one or more different types of memory used fortemporarily storing data for electronic device application programs.Memory 1904 may store media data (e.g., music and image files), software(e.g., a boot loader program, one or more application programs of anoperating system for implementing functions on device 1900, etc.),firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences),lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information(e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment),transaction information (e.g., information such as credit cardinformation), wireless connection information (e.g., information thatmay enable device 1900 to establish a wireless connection), subscriptioninformation (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts ortelevision shows or other media a user subscribes to), contactinformation (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendarinformation, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof.

Power supply 1906 may provide power to one or more of the components ofdevice 1900. In some embodiments, power supply 1906 can be coupled to apower grid (e.g., when device 1900 is not a portable device, such as adesktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply 1906 can includeone or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device 1900 is aportable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example,power supply 1906 can be configured to generate power from a naturalsource (e.g., solar power using solar cells).

One or more input components 1908 may be provided to permit a user tointeract or interface with device 1900. For example, input component1908 can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, anelectronic device pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen,one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball,microphone, camera, proximity sensor, light detector, and combinationsthereof. Each input component 1908 can be configured to provide one ormore dedicated control functions for making selections or issuingcommands associated with operating device 1900.

Electronic device 1900 may also include one or more output componentsthat may present information (e.g., visual, audible, and/or tactileinformation) to a user of device 1900. An output component of electronicdevice 1900 may take various forms, including, but not limited to, audiospeakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas,infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof.

For example, electronic device 1900 may include display 1910 as anoutput component. Display 1910 may include any suitable type of displayor interface for presenting visual content to a user. In someembodiments, display 1910 may include a display embedded in device 1900or coupled to device 1900 (e.g., a removable display). Display 1910 mayinclude, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emittingdiode (“LED”) display, an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display,a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (“SED”), a carbon nanotubedisplay, a nanocrystal display, any other suitable type of display, orcombination thereof. Alternatively, display 1910 can include a movabledisplay or a projecting system for providing a display of content on asurface remote from electronic device 1900, such as, for example, avideo projector, a head-up display, or a three-dimensional (e.g.,holographic) display. As another example, display 1910 may include adigital or mechanical viewfinder, such as a viewfinder of the type foundin compact digital cameras, reflex cameras, or any other suitable stillor video camera. In some embodiments, display 1910 may include displaydriver circuitry, circuitry for driving display drivers, or both.Display 1910 can be operative to present visual content provided bydevice 1900 (e.g., an avatar constructed from several assets).

It should be noted that one or more input components and one or moreoutput components may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as aninput/output (“I/O”) interface (e.g., input component 1908 and display1910 as I/O interface 1911). It should also be noted that inputcomponent 1908 and display 1910 may sometimes be a single I/O component,such as a touch screen that may receive input information through auser's touch of a display screen and that may also provide visualinformation to a user via that same display screen.

Electronic device 1900 may also be provided with an enclosure or housing1901 that may at least partially enclose one or more of the componentsof device 1900 for protecting them from debris and other degradingforces external to device 1900. In some embodiments, one or more of thecomponents may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component1908 may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing thatmay wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor 1902, whichmay be provided within its own housing).

Processor 1902 of device 1900 may include any processing or controlcircuitry operative to control the operations and performance of one ormore components of electronic device 1900. For example, processor 1902may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications,media playback applications, media editing applications, or any otherapplication. In some embodiments, processor 1902 may receive inputsignals from input component 1908 and/or drive output signals throughdisplay 1910.

It is to be understood that the steps shown in each one of processes1500-1800 of FIGS. 15-18, respectively, are merely illustrative and thatexisting steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may beadded, and the order of certain steps may be altered.

Moreover, the processes described with respect to FIGS. 15-18, as wellas any other aspects of the invention, may each be implemented inhardware or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments of theinvention can also be embodied as computer readable code on acomputer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be any datastorage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by acomputer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium includeread-only memory (“ROM”), random-access memory (“RAM”), CD-ROMs, DVDs,magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readablemedium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems sothat the computer-readable code may be stored and executed in adistributed fashion.

Although many of the embodiments of the invention are described hereinwith respect to personal computing devices, it should be understood thatthe invention is not limited to personal computing applications, but isgenerally applicable to other applications.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are presented forpurposes of illustration and not of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for integrating an asset with athree-dimensional model, wherein the asset comprises a pivot point and abase, and wherein the model comprises a surface, the method comprising:displaying the three-dimensional model; identifying a contact point on asurface of the model at which to place the asset; positioning the asseton the model such that the pivot point of the asset coincides with theidentified contact point; projecting the base onto the surface of themodel; and modifying a shape of the asset in the vicinity of the base toprovide a smooth transition between the asset and the surface of themodel.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying avertex in the base; and projecting the vertex onto the surface of themodel.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: a periphery of the basedefines a closed path.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:identifying a sequence of vertices on the path; and projecting eachvertex of the sequence of vertices on the external surface of the model.5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: removing portions of thesurface of the model enclosed within the closed path to expose a portionof the asset.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the asset comprises acavity visible through the surface of the model.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the base of the asset is initially enclosed within the modelwhen the asset is positioned prior to projecting the base on the surfaceof the model.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: identifyingat least one plane tangent to the surface of the model at a point of thesurface of the model on which the base is projected; and modifying theshape of the asset such that a region of the shape of the asset in thevicinity of the projected base is in the identified at least one plane.9. An electronic device comprising: an input interface; a display; andcontrol circuitry coupled to the input interface and the display,wherein the control circuitry is operative to: direct the display todisplay an avatar; receive from the input interface of a selection of anasset to integrate with an external surface of the avatar, wherein theasset comprises a protrusion extending from a base; project the baseonto the external surface of the avatar; and modify the shape of theprotrusion in the vicinity of the projected base to provide a seamlesstransition between the external surface of the avatar and theprotrusion.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the controlcircuitry is further operative to: initially position the asset suchthat the base is enclosed within a volume of the avatar.
 11. Theelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the control circuitry is furtheroperative to: position the asset such that a pivot point of the assetcoincides with a contact point on the external surface of the avatar.12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the control circuitry isfurther operative to: receive, from the input interface, an instructionto move the asset; project the base onto a new region of the externalsurface of the avatar; and modify the shape of the protrusion in thevicinity of the projected base based on a curvature of the new region ofthe external surface of the avatar.
 13. The electronic device of claim12, wherein the modified shape of the protrusion provides a seamlesstransition with the new region of the external surface.
 14. A method forintegrating an asset with a three-dimensional model, comprising:displaying a base structure of a three-dimensional model, wherein thebase structure comprises a surface; identifying a hole asset tointegrate with the base structure, wherein the hole asset comprises aninternal surface corresponding to a cavity, and a base defining anopening for the hole asset; placing the hole asset in the basestructure, wherein a portion of the cavity extends through the surfaceof the base structure; projecting the base onto the surface of the basestructure; and removing from display portions of the surface of the basestructure that are in the projected base, wherein the internal surfaceof the hole asset is visible through the removed portions of thesurface.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: adjusting ashape of the internal surface in a region adjacent to the projectedbase.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting theshape of the internal surface such that the internal surface seamlesslytransitions to the surface of the model remaining around a periphery ofthe projected base.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:receiving a selection of a secondary asset; and displaying the secondaryasset in the cavity of the hole asset.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the secondary asset comprises an eyeball asset.
 19. The methodof claim 14, further comprising: identifying a sequence of verticesaround a periphery of the base; and projecting each vertex of theidentified sequence of vertices onto the surface of the base structure.